Thread subject: Diptera.info :: What is this very black fly?
Posted by conopid on 10-08-2006 22:41
#1
I found this in limestone woodland today. I have never seen it before (or at least I have never noticed it before). I am trying to ID the family with Colyer & Hammond, but meanwhile I thought Diptera.info might like to suggest an identity.
Posted by conopid on 10-08-2006 22:42
#2
And here's a lateral view - it has big genitalia
Posted by conopid on 10-08-2006 23:02
#3
After a quick search of images and Colyer & Hammond I think this is a member of the family Platypezidae. Am I correct? Can anyone suggest a genus and advise on how to ID it?
Posted by Tony Irwin on 11-08-2006 01:24
#4
Hi Nigel
Yes it's Platypezidae, and the name that springs to mind is
Lindneromyia dorsalis, a relatively early species (many of the others occur later in the summer and autumn, when fungal fruiting bodies are more in evidence). I don't have the right literature to hand to check this ID, but I know that the regulars on this site won't hesitate to correct me if I'm wrong! ;)
This species is recognisable on wing venation and body colouration (many of the others have grey or orange markings). The flight time is also a guide, as I mentioned before.
Peter Chandler has produced an excellent Fauna Ent. Scand. monograph which is the standard work.
Posted by Kahis on 11-08-2006 05:54
#5
Since you ask I must correct you :D It belongs to
Callomyia speciosa (Platypezidae)
Posted by conopid on 11-08-2006 08:22
#6
Thanks Kahis and Tony. This one was caught on 10 August, so I guess it is one of the late season fungal specialists.
Posted by Tony Irwin on 11-08-2006 09:52
#7
"Whither Memory, that most unreliable of friends?" :(